|
|
You be holy, for I am Holy - I Peter 1:16 from Leviticus 11:44,45
When God gave the law to Moses, His purpose was not only to give them direction for their behavior, but to also set them apart from the practices of the pagan nations around them. No one else had those good laws.
And what nation is there so great, that has statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? – Deuteronomy 4:8
Therefore the Lord wanted a holy people set apart for Himself. In turn He intended the witness of their lives to be a sign to the nations around them as a witness to the reality of God.
The principle of the law remains the same today. God wants His people to live holy lives, set apart from the lawless practices of non-believers as a witness to the presence of God in their lives, and validate the gospel.
The Apostle Peter exhorts us to, “be holy, for I am holy.” He is quoting from the Old Testament where God is instructing His priests.
The Apostle Paul tells us to “Walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering (Lewdness) and wantonness, (lust),not in strife and envying. But you put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of it. – Romans 13:13,14
Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that you may be blameless and harmless, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. - Philippians 2:14,15
Peter continues. -
For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: - I Peter 4:3,4
Are you willing to stand out from the crowd and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ?” and follow His example for your life and not allow yourself to be influenced by the pagan practices in the world around you? Is the principle of the law being fulfilled in your life?
If it is rejoice; if it is not, pray.
Copyright 2024 by H. D. Shively
Devotionals | Cafe Logos Homepage |
